A manufacturer in Markham mentioned that investing in automation and digital tech has really upgraded their operations as the Ontario government broadens a funding initiative aimed at assisting small businesses in adopting AI and other digital tools.
The extra $5 million investment in the Digital Competence Centre (DCC) was revealed on May 20 at Sable Metal Fabrication in Markham by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.
In partnership with the Ontario Centre of Innovation, this provincial program offers grants and advisory help to small and medium-sized companies looking to invest in digital tools, automation, and AI technologies to boost productivity.
Sable Metal Fabrication was one of the businesses spotlighted by the province as gaining from this program.
“With support from the DCC, we’ve brought real-time data into the shop floor and connected it directly with our sales and planning systems,” said Scott Harnett, technical director and owner of the company.
“It’s made a real difference, helping us move quicker, make better decisions and stay competitive in a demanding global market.”
According to the province, this investment is expected to assist nearly 450 businesses across Ontario in adopting new technologies.
“Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of Markham-Thornhill and our government is committed to helping them succeed in an increasingly digital world,” said MPP Logan Kanapathi.
Ontario businesses can apply for several funding streams through the digital centre.
Eligible companies can receive matched grants of up to $15,000 through the program’s digital modernization and adoption plan to help create technology investment plans. Companies that finish those projects may also qualify for additional grants of up to $50,000 for purchasing and installing new technologies.
Retailers with 50 or fewer employees can apply for grants of up to $5,000 for technologies like point-of-sale systems, online payment systems, inventory management software, cybersecurity supports, and AI applications.
Since its launch in 2022, the province stated that the Digital Competence Centre has provided more than 800 grants. These are expected to generate around $600 million in increased sales revenue while supporting about 3,000 new and existing jobs throughout Ontario.
“Our government is making targeted investments to help small businesses succeed in a rapidly evolving digital economy,” said Nina Tangri, Ontario’s associate minister of small business.
“By expanding the DCC, we are giving Ontario entrepreneurs the tools, resources and expertise they need to compete and succeed in today’s increasingly competitive marketplace,” she added.
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